Help with axe head age range

jblyttle

jblyttle

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Sep 3, 2014
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I think that I know enough now to know that this American made axe head is a quality piece based on it's probable manufacturing date range, could I have confirmation?

This head has some surface rust but is in otherwise superb shape with sharp edges and no deformation. I have seen this Vaughan Bushnell logo on older roofer hatchets and am guessing it to be pre-1950's to maybe the 20's or 30's. It looks like a very good user. I'm not looking even for confirmation of quality so much as a little history lesson to add to my knowledge.


 
Yes, after reading that it appears that it is still family owned too. If true that is good to know.

I recently sent an e-mail to Warwood asking about an unusual hammer head that I had found, looking for more info as their name was on it. I received a detailed answer back, and looking at their site was reminded that they are still family owned and making quality striking tools here in the US. (WV). No edged ones, alas. I know that we have Council, and supposedly S&N again now, I wonder what other sometimes forgotten companies like this are there left that deserve out support?

www.warwoodtool.com
 
Warwood has caught my eye several times. They specialize in railroad tools. A shame they don't make axes. Marketing and competition would make it a tougher market for them to get into. There are few makers of railroad tools these days and the railroads still must be maintained. It's a good niche they found there.
 
I'm also been trying to date this V&B that I have.




The link garry3 posted might have some clues.

"Sanford S. Vaughan, Alexander's only son, joined the company in 1886 . . . As time passed, obsolete items were dropped from the line. More hammers, and a variety of hatchets and axes, were added."

"The company that is today Vaughan & Bushnell Mfg. Co. . . ."

Vaughan bought out Bushnell in 1922. The newer tools seem to all use the VAUGHAN brand. I don't know when V & B got dropped.

"Limited manufacturing commenced in Bushnell in the fall of 1940, and was gradually expanded during World War II. The town's location and ample labor supply proved so favorable that, in 1950, it was decided to consolidate all manufacturing operations in Bushnell."

Mine (and I assume yours) is marked Chicago. I guess it could have been made from the late 1800's up until 1950.

Mine is also marked "SUPERSTEEL". This stamp was used on "HAMMERS, HATCHETS, AND AXES" starting Jan 1, 1923. http://trademarks.justia.com/731/09/supersteel-73109154.html

As far as quality goes I am not qualified to say. But it is hard to file. And if you like your steel to ring, this one rings like a bell!
 
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rj, good information there. Maybe I just asummed that it was changed to just Vaughn after Bushnell was bought out. I don't recall seeing them supersteel axes with the VB stamp. I need to pay better attention.
 
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